ShortsTV takes to Sky

London-based multi-platform channel operator Shorts International will launch its latest offering, ShortsTV, on the UK’s Sky satellite platform before the end of the year.

ShortsTV, which premiered on the Numericable platform in France, Belgium and Luxembourg in February 2007, will be added to Sky’s existing Style and Culture subscription packages, reaching a total of 8.9 million homes in the UK and Ireland.

Shorts will also offer the dedicated short film channel on VoD service Sky Anytime, and will provide monthly comedy releases to Go!View, the joint venture between BSkyB and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe that allows users to download and view video on their PSPs.

The linear channel will broadcast 24 hours a day on Sky and will be scheduled by genre in 30- and 60-minute blocks called ‘zones’, which include the Comedy Zone, the horror-focused Midnight Zone and the Arthouse Zone.

“ShortsTV is a distinctive channel offering cutting-edge content,” said Rob Webster, BSkyB’s director of channels and operations. “We’re sure our customers will find value in the innovative content ShortsTV will offer them.”